Camping Pillow vs. Backpacking Pillow: Which One Do You Need?

If you love camping or backpacking, you know how important it is to have a good night’s sleep after a long day of adventure. And while your sleeping bag and pad play a big role in your comfort, don’t overlook the importance of a good pillow.

A pillow can make a huge difference in your sleep quality, especially if you’re a side or back sleeper who needs some extra support for your head and neck. But not all pillows are created equal. Depending on whether you’re camping or backpacking, you might need a different type of pillow to suit your needs.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between camping and backpacking pillows, how to choose the best one for your needs, and some of the best options available.

What are the differences between camping and backpacking pillows?

Camping and backpacking pillows differ mainly in three aspects: size, weight, and packability.

Size

Camping pillows are usually larger than backpacking pillows, as they are designed to mimic the size and shape of your regular pillow at home. They typically measure around 18 x 13 inches or larger, which gives you plenty of room to rest your head and move around during the night.

Backpacking pillows are usually smaller than camping pillows, as they are designed to save space and weight in your backpack. They typically measure around 14 x 10 inches or smaller, which means they might not cover your entire head or offer much room for adjustment.

Weight

Camping pillows are usually heavier than backpacking pillows, as they are made with more material and filling to provide more comfort and cushioning. They typically weigh around 10 ounces or more, which might not seem like a lot, but it can add up quickly if you have other heavy gear.

Backpacking pillows are usually lighter than camping pillows, as they are made with less material and filling to provide more portability and packability. They typically weigh around 2 ounces or less, which is barely noticeable in your backpack.

Packability

Camping pillows are usually less packable than backpacking pillows, as they take up more space in your car or tent. They often come with a drawstring or compression sack to reduce their size, but they still might not fit in your backpack or duffel bag.

Backpacking pillows are usually more packable than camping pillows, as they take up less space in your backpack or pocket. They often come with a stuff sack or valve to deflate them to a fraction of their size, making them easy to store and carry.

How to choose the best pillow for your needs?

The best pillow for you depends on your personal preferences, sleeping style, and type of trip. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pillow:

• Comfort: This is the most important factor, as you want a pillow that feels good on your head and neck. Comfort is subjective, but generally speaking, you want a pillow that matches your firmness preference (soft, medium, or firm), supports your sleeping position (side, back, or stomach), and adapts to your shape (contoured or flat).
• Durability: You want a pillow that can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use. Durability depends on the quality of the materials and construction of the pillow. Look for a pillow that has a durable cover (preferably water-resistant or washable), a sturdy filling (preferably synthetic or down), and a reliable valve (if inflatable).
• Versatility: You want a pillow that can serve multiple purposes on your trip. Versatility depends on the design and features of the pillow. Look for a pillow that has an adjustable height (by adding or removing air or stuffing), a removable cover (for easy cleaning or changing), and a multifunctional shape (that can be used as a seat cushion or lumbar support).

What are some of the best camping and backpacking pillows?

Based on our research and experience, here are some of the best camping and backpacking pillows on the market:

Best camping pillows

• Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow: This is one of the most popular and comfortable camping pillows, as it has a soft and supple polyester cover, a compressible and supportive foam filling, and a cinch cord to adjust the firmness. It also comes in four sizes and various colors to suit your preferences. ¹
• Nemo Fillo Pillow: This is one of the most versatile and innovative camping pillows, as it has a microsuede cover, a memory foam and air filling, and an integrated stuff sack that can be used to add extra height or cushioning. It also has a bungee cord to attach it to your sleeping pad or bag. ²
• Hest Camp Pillow: This is one of the most luxurious and premium camping pillows, as it has a quilted nylon cover, a down and synthetic filling, and a hidden pocket to store your valuables. It also has a snap closure to keep it in place and a lifetime warranty to ensure its quality. ³

Best backpacking pillows

• Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight: This is one of the lightest and most packable backpacking pillows, as it weighs only 2 ounces and packs down to the size of a lime. It has a durable polyester cover, a baffled air chamber core, and a multi-function valve to inflate and deflate it easily. It also has an ergonomic shape and scalloped edges to cradle your head and neck. ⁴
• Zpacks Medium-Plus Pillow: This is one of the most versatile and multifunctional backpacking pillows, as it can be used as a pillow, a stuff sack, or a dry bag. It has a water-resistant nylon cover, a down filling, and a roll-top closure to seal it securely. It also has two straps to attach it to your sleeping pad or bag. ⁵
• Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow: This is one of the most comfortable and cozy backpacking pillows, as it has a soft brushed polyester cover, a down and air filling, and an ergonomic shape for back and side sleepers. It also has a removable cover that can be washed separately and a twist-lock valve to adjust the air volume. ⁶

Conclusion

A good pillow can make or break your camping or backpacking trip, so it’s worth investing in one that suits your needs. Whether you prefer a larger, softer, and more comfortable camping pillow or a smaller, lighter, and more packable backpacking pillow, there’s an option for you on this list.

Remember to consider the factors of comfort, durability, versatility, size, weight, and packability when choosing a pillow, and don’t forget to test it out before you hit the road or trail.

We hope this article helped you learn more about the differences between camping and backpacking pillows, how to choose the best one for your needs, and some of the best options available.

Happy camping!